At present, the use of masks is being talked about to protect against the infection of the coronavirus. But like the coronavirus, there are many more viruses and bacteria flying in the air, which enter the body through breathing and cause various diseases.
Experts encourage reusable masks over one-time use or disposable masks. Because both types of masks are equally effective if properly cleaned and stored carefully. And there is a risk of environmental damage if the single-use masks are not disposed of in the proper place. And if you don't wash or clean the reusable mask after daily use, it can also play a role in making the person sick, according to Dr. Rashid Chotani.
According to him, “We are always living in an air full of viruses and bacteria. So wearing a mask all the time definitely has a benefit. But if you wash the mask after one day of use and wear it again the next day, the risk of getting infected with viruses and bacteria increases. In other words, wearing an unsanitary dirty mask means bringing to the nose all the other virus bacteria that are circulating in nature every day besides covid. This practice can make a person feel sick due to other viruses and bacteria even if they are not infected with Covid.
If the mask is not cleaned daily with soap or detergent powder, an oily layer can form inside it, which can clog the skin pores or pores. As a result, these unclean masks can cause skin diseases, skin rashes, and other problems, according to US well-known dermatologist Corey Hartman (Corey Hartman).
Medical masks vs cloth masks
Two or three layers of comfortable cloth masks are now more commonly used to prevent common viruses and bacteria. But medical masks or surgical masks are the most protective.
According to the CDC, surgical masks are made of three layers of synthetic nonwoven fabric. Its middle layer of cloth plays a key role in air filtering. Surgical masks can be of various thicknesses and may contain multiple resistance rings to retain respiratory fluids. Respirators are another medical mask that is manufactured on a large scale like surgical masks. Respirators are available in the market under the names FFP2, FFP3, N95, and N99.
Respirators are more effective than other masks at preventing viruses. Because there are some effective mechanisms installed to filter the air and exhaust the user's breath. However, cloth masks are more convenient for repeated washing; However, its effectiveness in high infection areas is less certain.
How to wash the mask
Doctors consider more alkaline soap or detergent powder sufficient for washing reusable masks. However, they are also of the opinion that if the mask can be cleaned by soaking it in hot water, it is more effective in destroying potential germs.
- > Washing of masks for disinfection must be done in accordance with hygiene rules. That is, hands must be sanitized if used to wash unclean or used masks.
- > while drying the mask in the sun, a safe place should also be chosen, so that it does not come into contact with anyone sneezing or coughing.
- > After washing reusable masks, they should be stored in a paper or other airtight packet without keeping them with regular clothing.
- > Masks that peel or deteriorate due to excessive use should be discarded.
- > A mask is not for multiple days, i.e. after each use, it must be washed and prepared for reuse. This is the most effective way of protection.
- > If the mask is opened and left on the table or in a pocket or hanging on the spout at one stage of use, it is not useful to reuse it without washing it.
- > KN95 masks or such respirators can be used multiple times without washing. But in this case, one thing must be ensured while wearing and taking off the mask. That is, the surface or inner part of the mask cannot be touched by hand. And after taking it off in accordance with the hygiene rules, it cannot be hung openly on a rack or anywhere else. They should be kept in airtight bags under their own management.
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